MPs Vote on 6-Month Assisted Dying Bill in England and Wales as Lords Delay Reignites Fight
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 11
MPs Vote on 6-Month Assisted Dying Bill in England and Wales as Lords Delay Reignites Fight
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 11
Summary
Friday’s Commons vote will decide whether a bill letting terminally ill adults with less than six months to live seek help to end their lives clears its first major hurdle.
The proposal requires approval from two doctors and an expert panel, but opponents say those safeguards are too weak to protect vulnerable people from pressure or coercion.
1,200-plus Lords amendments stalled an earlier version after MPs passed it in June 2025 by 23 votes, and sponsor Lauren Edwards has reintroduced an identical bill to send it back to peers.
That strategy could trigger the Parliament Acts if the Commons passes the same text in a second session, limiting the Lords’ ability to block it again even as critics warn support has softened.
Andy Burnham will not vote and the government remains neutral, leaving a close result to hinge on Friday attendance as campaigners and church, medical and hospice voices press rival arguments.